first lady michele obama will deliver his speech tonight. maryland governor martin o'malley will also speak in prime time. as susan mcginnis reports, a misstep by the maryland governor has thrown democrats off message. >> reporter: the stage has been built, the party platform released and democrats are ready to kick off their 2012 convention. >> this has been such a historic time, i couldn't imagine not coming. >> reporter: but as the festivities begin, republicans won't let go of the question are americans better off than they were four years ago. >> they can't tell you that you're better off. >> reporter: the obama team opened the door to the attacks when some, including maryland governor martin o'malley had trouble answering the question. >> can you honestly say that people are better off today than they were four years ago? >> no, but that's not the question of this election. >> reporter: republicans pounced saying that's proof president obama's policies aren't working. since then the democrats regrouped and came out swinging. >> you wan